Proton go to stop-and-go Motegi.

The spectacular Twin-Ring Motegi circuit is a track of surprises, and Proton Team KR is hoping to cause another if turns circumstances in favour of its lightweight three-cylinder racer next weekend.

The hope is backed by the knowledge that yet another strong race in Valencia followed a distinct step forward in the continual development of the unique Proton KR3. Built in England, the Mk3 version is now achieving maturity in its second full season of racing, under the capable control of Dutch rider Jurgen van den Goorbergh.

The forward step came after Spain also served up a surprise. Everyone expected that the twisting Valencia circuit would suit the nimble KR3 and its Dutch rider but, instead van den Goorbergh found himself struggling during qualifying.

Working overnight, the team made a raft of changes to the chassis settings, falling back on a previous base-line to try to establish a new direction of development. Track-side observations by team owner, and former triple world champion, Kenny Roberts were the trigger to the revisions to the multi-adjustable motorcycle.

The bike responded with enthusiasm, and once again van den Goorbergh found himself able to fight with the factory V4s in a wet-and-dry race that put a premium on team tactics and riding skill, as well as consistent machine performance.

"Sometimes you have to go back to the future," explained team manager Chuck Aksland, "Kenny noticed that, although the bike was turning well, the corner speed was not good.

"We changed the geometry and the engine position - and it worked out to give Jurgen a bike that felt looser and had a better feel. He can spin the wheel more, and he's more comfortable with pushing it harder. The lap times improved straight away."

This is a good psychological boost as the team starts the run of three back-to-back flyaway races, although the Japanese circuit is not one of the Dutch rider's favourites. Part of a spectacular Twin-Ring motorsport complex, including the 2.91mile road-racing circuit, inside a US-style banked tri-oval, Motegi comprises several slow corners linked by straights, as well as the only pair of underpasses in racing.

"It's pretty stop-and-go, which on paper is not good for our bike," continued Aksland, "But the first year we went there, with Jean-Michel Bayle, it looked like we were going to be competitive, but a crash in qualifying and wet weather changed the outlook of the whole weekend.

"I believe the recent chassis changes could make a difference at Motegi. Apart from our problem at Brno, we have a perfect finishing record this year, with the results continuing to improve at the end of the season. We're going to Motegi for more of the same."

"I think Motegi will be a bit difficult for us," van den Goorbergh admits, "There are four or five corners that you take in first gear, then accelerate all the way up to fifth, then brake hard again - and that gives the four-cylinder bikes a big advantage. There's only one fast corner where I can try and make up time. Of course, you never know what the conditions will be - you have to wait until you get there and see if maybe the new settings will help us.

"I'm hoping to get some points there - and then go off to the next race in Australia. Phillip Island is completely different, with fast flowing corners. That's the race I am really looking forward to."

The Pacific GP is the second race in Japan, the homeland of the four-cylinder factory rivals, and the first of three races on consecutive weekends. Seven days later, the Australian GP takes the team to Phillip Island, near Melbourne; and from there to Sepang, outside Kuala Lumpur, for the Malaysian GP.

Just weekend off precedes the final round, in Brazil, on 3 November.